Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets distributed in recent years by the Department of Health with either February or June 2015 expiration dates have been given a two-year shelf life extension using guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The department’s Bureau of Laboratories tested the two lots of ThyroSafe Potassium Iodide according to FDA guidance and determined the tablets will remain effective beyond their original expiration dates.

KI tablets are available year round at county and municipal health departments or state health centers for individuals who live or work within a ten-mile radius of one of Pennsylvania’s five nuclear power plants, which are closely regulated, secure and well-maintained.

Any residents who received these KI tablets through previous Department of Health distributions do not need to replace them and should not throw them out. KI tablets are still okay to use if they were stored in a dry place, between 59 and 86° Fahrenheit and the foil packaging is still intact.

The tablets can be used until January 2017. The department will also conduct an annual KI distribution later this summer.

KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. Individuals should only take KI when told to do so by state health officials or the governor.

Anyone can take the tablets as long as they are not allergic to KI. They are safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants.

For more information, read Health’s Potassium Iodide Fact Sheet or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).

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